SJDdP over Pyrenees to join Camino del Norte?

[Sharon Rogers]

I am wondering if you could provide me with some advice as I need to book flights ASAP!? I plan to walk the Camino del Norte, starting the end of August and have 6 weeks off work to do this. I am also keen though to trek over a bit of the Pyrenees though from SJDdP and meet the Norte in Irun. Then meeting up with the Primitivo in Oviedo and then of course, finishing at SdC. I won’t have enough time to do all of this, however, so was considering catching a bus for a few stages of the Norte to make up time (the less appealing parts). Is this a wise approach or should I just stick with Norte/Primitivo and miss the Pyrenees? It is possible that I can get another week or so off work and be greedy…..?? From what I hear, the Pyrenees part is pretty spectacular….

Any advice?

 

[spursfan]

Why change something that's not broken - Norte then Primitivo to SdC (with no buses) will be spectacular enough - and the dull bits make you appreciate the good bits even more!

 

[Sharon Rogers]

Yes, you are probably right but just thought adding the Pyrenees leg would make it even more spectacular!? I would then need extra time..

 

[Tincatinker]

The Route Napoleon, which himself never went anywhere near needless to say, can be very pretty on a clear day. But it is scarcely the Pyrenees, only the mumble down into the Atlantic of that particular bit of continental collision: up steep, along for a bit and down steep. For spectacle consider the Camino Vasco del Interior down to Burgos, Frances to Leon, the Salvador to Oviedo/ Primitivo / Verde / Norte into Santiago.

Do-able in 6 weeks and you won't need to mess about with buses after you leave Irun.

 

[AJGuillaume]

@Sharon Rogers , you could look at la Voie Nive-Bidassoa. 4 days from SJPDP to Irun. I haven't done it yet, I will be doing it at the end of August. You'll find maps here: http://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/les-...t-hendaye-irun/voie-nive-bidassoa-cartes-pdf/

Alternatively, there's the GR10 over 5 days.

Buen Camino

 

[davkel]

I'm looking to do the GR10 - it looks pretty spectacular-ish

 

[gypsy9]

Hello, what/where is the GR 10?

 

[gypsy9]

http://www.pyreneanway.com/2014/09/...he-french-gr-10-or-the-spanish-gr-11/?lang=en

I understand where the GR 10 begins/ends, but wondering where the five days that you referenced begins? (and ends...).

Thanks!

 

[gypsy9]

OK...think you were referring to Nive Way....

 

[mspath]

For a good account of GR10 which crosses France from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean see--

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GR_10_(France)

For a good account of the GR11 which crosses Spain from the Bay of Biscay to the Med
see --

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GR_11_(Spain)

Recently I abstracted/translated a combo of a section of the Spanish GR11 combined with small lanes from near Roncesvalles to Irun.

Do you want a copy of this abstract?

 

[gypsy9]

Yes, please, Mspath...I would like to see the abstract;
always so much to learn about these wonderful ways...

 

[mspath]

Yes, please, Mspath...I would like to see the abstract;
always so much to learn about these wonderful ways...

Please send me your email in a private conversation and I will send you the pdf.

 

[YoCo]

Love that you've asked about this route! I just asked about it so I hope to link this thread on my post since others were interested, too.

I'm starting in SJPdP at end of Aug. I'm thinking to go up to del Norte from Logrono to Bilbao. From what I've read I will have missed the hard part of the Norte but I'm ok with that as I will have experienced the Pyrenees instead.

I'm also planning to take the Primotivo as well. What a wild coincidence!

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...paths-on-one-trip-ideas-opinions.54994/unread

 

[Bornean]

I'll be doing the same routes, but starting in Le Puy. I like the idea of using transportation on parts of the Norte if you find yourself short on time, though I reckon 6 weeks is enough.

The GR10 from SJPdP to Hendaye/Irun will take 4-5 days. If you like steep climbs and spectacular views, don't skip this. It would, however, be a very tough start to your walk. You can also do it without going over the Pyrenees - I don't know anything about this route, though.

My opinion is do it If you find yourself short on time, skip some of the asphalt bits on the Norte.

 

[YoCo]

Sharon- are you still with us...and planning that route?

Just wondered if you've considered the kms you could do per day... you might not have to take any transportation.

And I hope you get that extra week off!

 

[Deleted member 80312]

I am wondering if you could provide me with some advice as I need to book flights ASAP!? I plan to walk the Camino del Norte, starting the end of August and have 6 weeks off work to do this. I am also keen though to trek over a bit of the Pyrenees though from SJDdP and meet the Norte in Irun. Then meeting up with the Primitivo in Oviedo and then of course, finishing at SdC. I won’t have enough time to do all of this, however, so was considering catching a bus for a few stages of the Norte to make up time (the less appealing parts). Is this a wise approach or should I just stick with Norte/Primitivo and miss the Pyrenees? It is possible that I can get another week or so off work and be greedy…..?? From what I hear, the Pyrenees part is pretty spectacular….

Any advice?

Hi Sharon.
If it is of any help, I am planning on doing very much what you have in mind.
On August 21 I'll start walking from Saint Jean to Roncesvalles over the Napoleon Route, stopping overnight at the Orisson albergue. From Roncesvalles I'll take a bus to San Sebastian through Pamplona (I have already started off twice from Saint Jean, but both times took the Valcarlos route, so I feel I owe it to myself to cross at least once through the Ruta Napoleon). From San Sebastian I'll continue on the Camino del Norte until Villaviciosa, where I'll turn onto the Camino Primitivo. I am planning on terminating the hike at Oviedo. I have been to Santiago 5 times already, and do not feel any need to go there yet again. 4 of these times proved that Lorca was right when he wrote "Xove in Santiago" ("It (always) rains in Santiago").
One advice though: August is a very busy month on the Camino Frances, so if you plan on overnight stays there, whether at hotels or albergues, it is a good idea to book a bed or a room right now. I have already done that.